Carolina Living - Newberry

Day Trippin' in Newberry

Got just 36 hours in Newberry, SC?

Consider these FUN-filled possibilities. Why Newberry? Simply put, it’s a little, accessible gem that’s Southern to its core, and we mean that in a good way. Drive to Newberry on I-26.

It’s about 45 minutes west of Columbia, and about an hour east of Greenville. Once you arrive, choose your accommodation. We suggest the DeWalt House, an elegant home built in 1832 and extensively renovated. You’ll feel as if Scarlet O’Hara will be rounding the corner at any minute.

Safely ensconced, it’s time to explore. Consider Carter and Holmes Orchids. Bill Carter and Owen Holmes began selling orchids as cut flowers in the years following World War II when corsage flowers were in great demand for Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day. In the 1960s, they began producing orchids for home growing. You will be amazed at these blooms.

If you want to take a late morning stroll, consider nearby Lynches Woods. This forest preserve is located just east of Newberry, off
US Highway 76. There are horse trails, as well as designated loops for
hikers and bikers. It’s part of the 425-mile-long Palmetto Trail that traverses SC from the mountains to the sea.

When hunger strikes, head to Delamaters, in the middle of town for American cuisine with a European flair. Try their crab cake sandwiches – yummy!

Afterwards, stroll the streets in search of bargains. For antiques, there’s Eurolux. Michelle’s is a great little gift shop and Out on a Whim features unusual gifts. Newberry College is a very pretty campus with beautiful old buildings and friendly students. You may want to return to your room to rest before venturing out to Steven Ws for another wonderful meal. It’s downtown as well. You can’t go wrong with the pecan-crusted chicken and blackberry sauce.

And then, it’s on to the Newberry Opera House, where you can have the chance to enjoy intimate theatre in an historic performance venue. Check to see who’s performing, but don’t expect to walk up and find a seat. Reserve your tickets ahead because people travel from all around to enjoy the shows.

Want a nightcap before bed? Try the Storm Cellar for a convivial atmosphere.

oday: Dine elegantly downtown before walking to the Newberry Opera House for comic opera, a Broadway play, modern dance or big band orchestra. You don't hear any complaints from the locals.

t's wonderful to be here," says Deborah Smith, executive director of the Newberry Opera House. "Everybody is so positive." Indeed, 20 businesses, four restaurants and more than $100 million in investment are reasons to rejoice. A second industrial park is needed because the first, still new, is full. What's the magnet? The arts, through the restoration of the opera house, an 1882 French Gothic structure where Tallulah Bankhead and the Barrymores once played. Even before its first season is over, Ms. Smith and Dr. Jim Wiseman, chairman of the opera house foundation board of directors, are looking ahead.

"I don't think Newberry realizes how much effort it took to birth this baby," Wiseman says, " but they're certainly reaping the benefits." In the works are a train between Newberry and Columbia, for commuters and those interested in attending performances, and upscale inns. Newberry already boasts several bed and breakfasts in a handful of historic homes.

Once famous for its cotton farms and mills, the town's grand homes give proof to its former wealth. Now, Newberry is becoming high-tech. Jobs are plentiful, and the European and Asian companies that have built here are sending their new American employees overseas for training. Likewise, Newberry is growing accustomed to the Irish, British, Italian and Korean accents heard downtown and in meetings.